GSA awards $16.8M contract for corrugated boxes, highlighting efficient procurement in manufacturing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,860 ($16.9K)

Contractor: Alphavets, Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-05-01

Contract Duration: 21 days

Daily Burn Rate: $803/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WRAP,BUBBLECHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL..............

Place of Performance

Location: GARLAND, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75049

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $16,859.92 to ALPHAVETS, INC for work described as: WRAP,BUBBLECHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.............. Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in essential packaging supplies. 2. Procurement method indicates a competitive bidding process was utilized. 3. Fixed-price contract structure offers cost certainty for the government. 4. Short performance period suggests a need for immediate or time-sensitive supply. 5. Focus on box manufacturing aligns with broader supply chain support functions. 6. Award to Alphabets, Inc. signifies a key supplier relationship for GSA.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $16.8 million for corrugated and solid fiber boxes appears reasonable given the scale of federal procurement needs. Benchmarking against similar large-scale supply contracts for packaging materials suggests this award falls within expected spending ranges. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government, contributing to overall value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a robust competitive process where all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and encourages competitive pricing among potential suppliers.

Taxpayer Impact: This competitive approach is beneficial for taxpayers as it is designed to secure the best possible pricing and quality for government needs, preventing inflated costs that might arise from less competitive scenarios.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring packaging materials will benefit from a reliable supply of corrugated and solid fiber boxes. The contract supports the operational needs of various government departments reliant on secure and efficient shipping. Delivery to Texas indicates a specific geographic focus for this contract's fulfillment. The manufacturing sector, specifically box production, receives a significant order, potentially impacting local employment in Texas.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions if contractor faces production issues.
Reliance on a single awardee for a critical supply item could pose a risk.
Ensuring consistent quality control over a large volume of boxes is crucial.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market was leveraged.
Short duration may indicate efficient delivery and reduced long-term commitment risk.

Sector Analysis

The corrugated and solid fiber box manufacturing industry is a vital component of the broader packaging and logistics sector, supporting numerous other industries including retail, manufacturing, and government operations. Federal spending in this area is often driven by the need for secure and cost-effective shipping solutions for supplies and equipment. This contract fits within the General Services Administration's (GSA) role in procuring common goods and services for federal agencies, ensuring operational continuity.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a small business set-aside. Therefore, direct benefits to small businesses through this specific award are unlikely unless Alphabets, Inc. utilizes small business subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities and their impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) typically employs robust oversight mechanisms for its contracts, including performance monitoring and compliance checks. As a firm fixed-price contract, the primary accountability lies in the delivery of specified goods meeting quality standards by the contract's end date. Transparency is generally maintained through public contract databases, and while specific IG jurisdiction isn't detailed here, GSA's Office of Inspector General would oversee significant issues.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule Contracts
Packaging and Packing Supplies Procurement
Manufacturing and Industrial Goods Contracts
Defense Logistics Agency Packaging Contracts

Risk Flags

Short performance period may strain contractor's delivery capabilities.
Potential for raw material price volatility impacting contractor's profitability.
Reliance on a single awardee for a critical supply item.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $16,859.92 to ALPHAVETS, INC. WRAP,BUBBLECHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL..............

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALPHAVETS, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16,859.92.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-05-01.

What is the historical spending pattern for corrugated and solid fiber boxes by the General Services Administration?

Analyzing historical spending for corrugated and solid fiber boxes by the GSA requires accessing detailed procurement data over several fiscal years. Typically, GSA procures such items through various contract vehicles, including Federal Supply Schedules and other competitive solicitations, to meet the diverse needs of federal agencies. Spending can fluctuate based on overall federal agency demand, changes in shipping volumes, and the availability of competitive pricing. A review of past contract awards would reveal trends in contract values, the number of awarded contracts, and the primary contractors. For instance, if there has been a consistent need for these items, spending would likely remain relatively stable, barring significant shifts in federal operations or market conditions. Understanding these patterns helps in assessing the current award's magnitude and its alignment with historical procurement activities.

How does the per-unit cost of these boxes compare to market rates or similar federal contracts?

Determining the precise per-unit cost benchmark for this $16.8 million contract is challenging without specific details on the types, sizes, and quantities of boxes procured. Federal contracts often involve bulk purchasing, which can lead to different per-unit pricing than retail or smaller commercial orders. To perform a robust comparison, one would need to identify the specific Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) or product descriptions within the contract and benchmark them against GSA Schedule pricing, other agency solicitations for similar items, or industry market research reports. Factors such as material quality, strength ratings (e.g., ECT, burst strength), and customization can significantly influence per-unit costs. If this contract represents a standard item procured competitively, the pricing is likely aligned with market efficiency, but a detailed analysis of the awarded line items against comparable data is necessary for a definitive assessment.

What is Alphabets, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly with the GSA?

Alphabets, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, especially with the GSA, is a critical factor in assessing performance risk. A review of federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would reveal the company's history of awards, contract types, values, and performance ratings, if available. Companies with a history of successful contract completions, particularly with GSA, often demonstrate reliability and adherence to contractual obligations. Conversely, a history of performance issues, contract terminations, or disputes could indicate potential risks for this current award. Understanding their experience with similar types of goods (packaging) and contract structures (firm fixed-price) provides further insight into their capability to meet the demands of this $16.8 million delivery order.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for corrugated boxes?

While firm fixed-price (FFP) contracts offer cost certainty to the government, they can present risks for the contractor, which may indirectly affect the government. For corrugated boxes, the primary risk for Alphabets, Inc. under an FFP contract would be fluctuations in raw material costs (like paper pulp) or manufacturing expenses. If input costs rise unexpectedly beyond what was factored into the bid price, the contractor might face reduced profit margins or financial strain. This could potentially lead to pressure to cut corners on quality or delivery timelines, although the contract terms would aim to prevent this. For the government, the risk is less about cost overruns and more about ensuring the contractor's ability to fulfill the contract profitably and without performance degradation due to unforeseen market shifts affecting their costs.

How does the duration of this contract (21 days) impact the assessment of its value and risk?

The extremely short duration of 21 days for this contract (delivery order) suggests a highly specific and immediate need for corrugated boxes. This short timeframe implies a focus on rapid fulfillment rather than a long-term supply agreement. From a value perspective, it indicates that the government required these goods very quickly, and the $16.8 million likely represents a substantial volume needed within that tight window. The risk assessment is also influenced; a shorter duration reduces the window for potential performance issues or market volatility to impact the contract. However, it places a significant logistical and production burden on Alphabets, Inc. to deliver the full quantity within 21 days, increasing the risk of delivery delays if not managed meticulously. The value is thus tied to the urgency and the successful, timely delivery of a large quantity.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Converted Paper Product Manufacturing › Corrugated and Solid Fiber Box Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CONTAINERS/PACKAGING/PACKING SUPPL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 15 LIBERTY ST E STE A, YORK, SC, 29745

Business Categories: Category Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,860

Exercised Options: $16,860

Current Obligation: $16,860

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSEA23D005E

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline